ANAHEIM, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 12/11/12 -- ZyXEL Communications, a leading provider of secure broadband networking, Internet access, connected home and routing products, today announced a turnkey commercial Wi-Fi hotspot upgrade to its CloudEnabled™ Business Access Point -- the NWA1100NCE. This cloud-based hotspot functionality is specifically designed to help businesses and managed service providers (MSPs) rapidly deploy and manage custom Wi-Fi networks for business customers and guests. In response to surging consumer demand for Wi-Fi, this new offering dramatically reduces the cost and complexity of providing Wi-Fi access for a wide range of businesses in the hospitality, education, retail and healthcare markets.

The Access Point's hotspot functionality leverages CloudCommand™ -- Power Cloud Systems' cloud-based software platform for networking. CloudCommand provides SMB WLAN networks with enterprise-grade Wi-Fi features including configuration, security, management and reporting. The Hotspot functionality enables businesses and MSPs to create single or multi-site hotspot networks at a fraction of the capital and operating expenses required by existing solutions. It also provides state-of-the-art flexibility in controlling and, optionally, monetizing guest Internet access. The new hotspot capability also includes a very easy to use interface for network administrators as well as front desk staff to easily control Internet access based on users, session duration and bandwidth usage.

"With the addition of hotspot functionality, ZyXEL continues to enhance the applications of its cloud-managed Pro Wi-Fi solution, making it easy for solution providers to find new business opportunities with a familiar product," said Steven Joe, executive vice president of channel business for Americas at ZyXEL.

Key benefits of the hotspot functionality include the ability to:

• Customize branded login portals
• Convert any network into a hotspot without the need for additional costs for service gateways or switches
• Build either free or revenue-generating service plans based on multiple parameters such as pricing, usage, time of access and bandwidth
• Provide flexible access plans with option for different hotspot services to different users simultaneously
• Offer free initial service with options for a paid upgrade
• Deliver time-limited free access activated through text messaging
• Process online credit-card payments with no setup required

ZyXEL, in addition, is introducing three different subscription levels for its CloudCommand service, offering customers maximum flexibility in selecting the cloud service level that best suits their needs and budget. Switching between services is also easy.

The annual subscription services starts with the small business subscription tier that offers essential cloud management and configuration features, including remote management and configuration, network-wide roaming, auto RF management, automatic firmware upgrade with group and scheduled update, detailed usage reporting and graphs. The next level is the professional subscription tier that adds VLAN tagging, Individual Device Authentication functionality, real-time alerts, site survey, rogue AP detection and more. Finally, the pro hotspot subscription tier adds hotspot functionality to all the features included in the professional level service.

Pricing and Availability

The NWA1100NCE Pro Wi-Fi AP and annual CloudCommand service subscriptions for all three tiers are available from all ZyXEL authorized resellers and distributors. CommandCloud service subscriptions are also available through the portal accessible through the device.

• NWA1100NCE - $159.99 MSRP
• One Year Subscription for Pro Hotspot CloudCommand Service - $119 MSRP
• One Year Subscription for Professional CloudCommand Service - $79 MSRP
• One Year Subscription for Small Business CloudCommand Service - $49 MSRP

Each new CloudCommand service account will come with a free one-month trial for the Pro Hotspot cloud service. Volume discounts for service subscriptions are available. Please contact 1.800.255.4101 or email partner@zyxel.com for more details.

About ZyXEL Communications
ZyXEL, a pioneer in IP technology with a legacy spanning more than 20 years, provides a complete portfolio of multi-service LTE, fiber and DSL broadband gateways, home connectivity and entertainment solutions, and smart home devices. ZyXEL offers integrated, interoperable network solutions based on open standards to service provider, SMB, SOHO, and residential markets. Headquartered in Anaheim, California, ZyXEL offers its partners service-rich solutions backed by a domestic team of logistic, sales, and technical support professionals.
www.zyxel.com

About PowerCloud Systems
PowerCloud Systems is the leading software platform provider for enabling Networking as a Service (NaaS). Its CloudCommand technology provides OEMs and service providers with the quickest, most powerful and cost-effective path for adding comprehensive cloud capabilities to their new and existing networking equipment. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., PowerCloud Systems is a spin-out from PARC that is funded by PARC, Walden Venture Capital and Javelin Venture Partners. For more information, visit www.powercloudsystems.com.